I hope you don’t automatically think “Kim Kardashian” when you think of contouring because it doesn’t always have to be so strong and chiseled!

I’ve been doing a fast and simple everyday contour look for a long time, and thought I’d show you how in this quick video tutorial. Holiday season is upon us, and if you are planning on having your family photos taken, or just taking more photos than usual, contouring is a great way to give your face a bit of dimension that can be a game changer in a photo.

I swept the contour shade along the lower part of my cheekbone, in the hollow of my cheeks should I have made a fish face.

I swept the brush up along my temple and outside of my forehead, and then finished along the under part of my jawline. Imagine drawing a number 3 on your face, if you will.

The end result gave my face not only warmth, but also a bit of definition and some angles. The area where I see the most difference is when I contour along my jawline. It keeps my chin from blending into my neck, especially in photos. I never skip this part when I’m contouring!

You can always add more contour shade, and keep in mind you’ll add a bit of color to your face with blush as well, so start with a light hand. Sweep back and forth plenty of times to make sure you aren’t left with lines on your face!

Comments (26)

Michele says

Posted November 29, 2016

I got that Rimmel contour set you talked about a while ago and really like it. Can you possibly do a blush applocation tutorial? I feel like I’m doing it All wrong and hope that I’m not the only one in that boat. It would really help with my everyday makeup routine.

Would you please let me know what brush are you using? Also, a while back you recommended Physian Formula in warm beige as a contour/bronzer and been using it ever since; love it. Great tutorial. Thank you.

Gosh, you are just flawless. I’m not going to lie, but I kinda just don’t even want to try my makeup like this because I’ll never look as good as you. But! Maybe my earrings will if I get the ones you have – where did you get them?!

Hi Kate, what are you thoughts on contouring with Bronzer? I use Benefit’s Hoola and it seems to work ok, but maybe not as much definition as a traditional contour? Just trying to limit the # of products I use for my daily routine as I’m a working Mom of two littles. Thank you!

Guilty I totally think Kim K-ish loads of makeup whenever anyone mentions contouring. I hate, hate, hate heavy looking makeup so I just picture layers on layers and it freaks me out. BUT, you did good here! I should have known you would know too because you’ve pretty much perfected that “natural” but not look. I’m obsessed.

Kim Kardashian is probably one of the first people I think of when it comes to contouring but you have a much more wearable version of it here. It had definition but it isn’t over the top for the average person.

Timely post for me. I’ve been interested in trying countouring – something I’ve never tried until age 35. I bought a cheap 3-piece Max Studio contouring kit at TJ Maxx the other day and tried it out using the steps you outlines – but I felt like it looked really noticeable and unflattering on me, like I had dirt on my face and yellow powder down my nose. Do you think everyone can pull off contouring and it’s just a matter of finding the right product/color, or maybe I should just stick with what I know? I have a fair to medium complexion with medium blonde hair and green eyes.

Maybe I’ll go have a professional do it at a Nordstrom beauty counter…